Eczema or dermatitis is an allergic disorder of the skin. It is sub-divided in to atopic dermatitis, where the cause of the allergen is unknown and contact dermatitis, where, the disorder occurs in response to an allergen touching the skin.
What are the Symptoms of Eczema (Dermatitis)?
Eczema is characterized by chronic, itchy, inflamed skin. The skin is red, scaly and may blister and weep.
The commonest areas that get affected are: the inside of the wrist, elbows, fissures between the fingers and toes, face and back of the knees.
Secondary infections are also known to occur.
What are the Causes of Eczema?
The most frequent cause for dermatitis is food allergy. A particular food may set off an inflammatory process that could result in dermatitis. Most food additives (artificial colors, preservatives and flavors) initiate dermatitis.
Another predominant cause is heredity. Stress is also an important triggering factor for eczema. Other causes include: a defective metabolism, dietary deficiencies and suppressive drug treatment for another ailment.
Home Remedies and Foods to Treat Eczema
Elimination is the primary method of treating eczema. Avoid fish, eggs, soy, peanuts and milk. Also steer clear off all processed and denatured foods. These are the commonest food allergens of childhood eczema.
The following foods are known to exert beneficial effects on the skin, reduce the intensity and frequency of the allergy and fortify the immune mechanism against common allergens.
- Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds or linseeds are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acid, alpha linoleic acid and have a favorable effect on dermatitis. Two spoons of the roasted seeds should be taken everyday for beneficial results to be seen.
- Safflower seeds: Sunflower seeds are also brilliant sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Five tablespoons of the seeds or two tablespoons of the oil should be consumed daily. Reduce the intake to half, once improvement becomes evident. Improvement will be seen as reduction in the size of the skin disorder, diminished redness and itching and elimination of weeping or oozing.
- Mango: Mango is highly effective in the management of eczema. The fruit is loaded with vitamins A and C, which soothe and treat skin inflammations and boost the body’s defense mechanisms. Also, topical application of mangoes proffers immense benefits. Simmer the pulp and skin of the fruit in a bowl of water. Cool and apply liberally over the affected area. Regular and persistent application is vital.
It is important to understand that individuals suffering from eczema have a deficiency of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid. Consequently, there occurs a decrease in the synthesis of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Thus, there is a relative increase in the prostaglandins that promote dermatitis and inflammation.
Increasing the daily intake of omega 3 essential fatty acids will yield remarkable and prompt benefits in the treatment of eczema.
Reference:
The Lancet, Placebo Controlled Trial of Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation in Atopic Dermatitis, Berth-Jones, J., R. A. C. Graham-Brown, 1993.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Shweta Shah - A practicing homeopath using aromatherapy, yoga, acupressure and diet in patient management
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